Texas Hill Country has always been a best-kept secret among Lone Star adventurers. Social media and word-of-mouth recommendations have made this area a top tourist spot in the country. Luckily, you can still find amazing local places for your weekend getaway. You’ll feel like you’re tucked away in this Texan jewel of a destination. 

While you know that Texas Hill Country is exactly where you want to be, you may not be sure what to put on your travel plan. There’s much more to the Hill Country than most people know. Be ready to unleash your wild side amid a landscape shaped by rivers and canyons. Texas Hill Country is a beautiful region in Texas with rolling landscapes along the Edwards Plateau.

What Is Texas Hill Country?

Before you fall head-over-heels in love with Hill Country during an upcoming visit, it’s good to start with the basics. Texas Hill Country is a region of Texas situated along the Edwards Plateau and known for its majestic beauty among rolling landscape. The landscape is peppered with steep canyons, hills, and gorgeous springs. In fact, it is those springs that give life to one of Hill Country’s most notable landmarks. 

As a spring-fed river, the Frio River offers a refreshing place to wade or float. The spring’s crispness is the reason it’s named after the Spanish word for cold, “espringuel,” meaning “cold spring.” While frio may mean cold in Spanish, people like to call the Frio River a taste of the Swiss Alps in Texas. Other popular landmarks in Texas Hill Country include Garner State Park, Enchanted Rock, and Gorman Falls.

Most people come to Texas Hill Country to be active. But there’s nothing wrong with simply finding some nice spots to perch where you take in the views.

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Texas Hill Country

If you’re like most people, you’re coming to Hill Country with the beautiful Frio River on your mind. That means you’ll want to focus your excursions around the Concan area. Concan is an area within Hill Country that more than stands on its own as a destination. U.S. Highway 83 situates it with easy access. 

Concan is a delight for birdwatchers from around the country. You can spot great-tailed grackles, white-winged doves, black-bellied whistling ducks, and flycatchers. You might be able to even see all three species of belted, green, and ringed Texas kingfisher species.

Here’s a glance at what a dream Concan-area tour in Hill Country can look like!

Enjoy the Frio River

The Frio River is distinctive amid a landscape of limestone buffs and portrait-like hills. With its shallow, cold-running water over a transparent bed made of packed gravel and limestone, the Frio stays cool all year long. Take it from a local to learn the tricks when visiting the Frio. 

Tubing and floating are common, while some people simply come to wade or dip their feet. People can only access the Frio at roadside crossings. If you’re looking for gear for getting in the river, these local outfitters are the go-to names:

The Frio spans 27 miles of awe-inspiring terrain marked by giant cypress trees, boulders, and cliffs. When you get gear from a local outfitter, inquire about flow rates for the day. Ideally, you’ll want to float the river when the river’s flow rate is at 100 to 1,000 cubic feet per second (CFS).

Explore Garner State Park

Spanning more than 1,500 acres, Garner State Park offers easy access to the Frio River. This park is known as the Yellowstone of Texas. People frequently see tubes and paddle boats floating along the 2.9-mile-long Frio River that winds through Garner State Park.

In addition, this natural wonderland offers 16 miles of scenic hiking trails. Most are moderate or challenging, although there are some easier trails as well. Popular activities other than floating include picnicking, canoeing, bike riding, kayaking, fishing, geocaching, cycling, and playing miniature golf.

Plan an Excursion to Lost Maples State Natural Area

Located in Vanderpool, Texas, Lost Maples State Natural Area is gorgeous year-round. You’ll be delighted with color-infused views of wildflowers and amber leaves. Take in the breathtakingly high canyon walls, and the stunning Sabinal River. Lost Maples is just 40 minutes from Concan. 

Hiking, fishing, and birding are all popular at Lost Maples. For hikers, there is the thrill of exploring 10 miles of trails with a loop that leads you along a 2,200-foot cliff! Many people come specifically in the autumn just to see the colorful bigtooth maples that stunningly change their colors.

See the Frio Bat Flight

Have you heard about the Texas Hill Country bats? Nightly sunsets at the Frio Cave bring out 10 million Mexican free-tailed bats! Watch as these majestic creatures take to the sky at evening twilight to deliver a truly once-in-a-lifetime view.

Other Things to Do in Texas Hill Country

Hill Country is a great place to go for long drives along windy roads peppered with sheep and cattle ranches. The area is also home to a number of vineyards and wineries that offer tours and tastings. The Frio Valley Ranch Golf Club and Concan Country Club both offer splendid Hill Country scenery while enjoying a round of golf.

Is rocking out to some live music in Hill Country on your list? The Concan area has an incredible live music scene. Here’s a list of spots that are great to check out on Friday or Saturday nights:

Finding Cozy Lodgings with the Amenities You Want: Where to Stay in Hill Country

Making the most of your Texas Hill Country weekend getaway is all about where you stay! People who want a Frio family getaway full of memories choose Hunter’s Ridge Cabins. Looking for Texas Hill Country Cabins with hot tubs or Concan cabins with pools? Hunter’s Ridge is the perfect place to stay. 

It’s conveniently located right off U.S. Highway 83 and perfect for friends’ or couples’ getaways. All of our cabins offer room for up to eight guests. The whole family can enjoy relaxation and meals together.

Our inviting cabins feature air conditioning, comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, televisions, and full-sized kitchen appliances. You can also enjoy your freshly caught fish on the grill or purchase food from a local store to grill. We take pride in creating the most incredible getaway experience for our guests. 

If you are eager to enjoy lodgings in one of the most secluded parts of Texas, book today. We offer easy access to the Frio River, Old Baldy, and the Frio Cave. Want to enjoy a romantic getaway? Hunters Ridge Cabins also provides a cozy and quiet setting perfect for true romance. 

The best thing about Texas Hill Country is that there’s something special to discover here any time of the year. You can find Hill Country shopping, dining, and nightlife experiences with a short drive from our cabins. Contact us today to learn more about Hill Country lodging options for your getaway!

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